39
Figure 2. Body weight increase in Trial I. Rohu (left) and Catla (right).
Figure 3. Body weight increase in Trial II Rohu (left) and Catla (right).
Application in the form of liquid additives after pelleting is a good alternative. It is a common practice in feed mills to coat the feed pellets with oil after extrusion. The level of oil used is often as high as 1 - 3%, making the coating process easier. On the other hand, enzymes are required in lesser quantities (0.1 %), which requires high accuracy and precision in the coating process.
Post-pellet liquid application (PPLA) technology The most critical factor in post-pelleting application is the precision of the dose given and co-efficient of variance (CV) of additive in feed sample. The maximum CV percentage in daily ration portion of target animal diet is 10%. It is also vital that the enzyme coated on the feed must have good binding with the feed matrix to prevent the leaching of enzymes into water. Kemin AquaScience has developed a tailor-made liquid application system called SMART BOX – PPLA System. The equipment sprays liquid enzymes on the surface of the finished pelleted feed right before the bagging step. The system contains a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) for automation, gravimetric batch controller, feedback sensor, precision dosing pumps, air atomized spray nozzles, high pressure dosing pumps, impact weigher and spray chamber.
The unit also consists of a weighing tank, rotary feeder, baffle type dispenser, carrying conveyor and spray nozzles. The three-baffle design ensures uniform spraying of the product on the entire pellet. For accurate dosing of the enzyme, measurement of feed flowing into the spray chamber is critical. The six air atomized spray nozzles in the SMART BOX – PPLA System ensures that the feed is evenly distributed with liquid enzymes.
Conclusion Post pellet application of enzymes for fish feed is an attractive way of solving the indigestibility of the fiber on feed raw materials. Not only does it improve the fish performance, but it also decreases the eutrophication of pond water caused due to the release of undigested feed and phosphorus, thus helping farmers to maintain water quality and animal health.
More information: Vidya Arumugam Regional Technical Manager Kemin AquaScience, India E: vidya.a@kemin.com
Aquafeed: Advances in Processing & Formulation Vol 12 Issue 2 2020
